Broken Patella

[Veem]

We have a small step up from the kitchen to the lounge. I have gone up and down it thousands of times without incident over the course of more than 21 years. 10 days ago I tripped whilst going into the lounge, landing hard on the tiles, resulting in me breaking my patella and the middle joint of my right thumb. I spent from 1pm until 11pm in the local Urgences, had x-rays and was then discharged. Fortunately a friend (and UK trained nurse) was available to collect me as I was given nothing to relieve my immobility. She lifted me into her 4x4, carried me into the house and settled me for the night. Over the next few days she combed the area for items on the ordnance; crutches, attelle, various medications and other equipment which she knew from experience may well be of help. Now, with the aid of a Zimmer frame (which my friend already had) and a commode which she bought in place of a loo seat riser, I'm again enjoying a level of vital independence.
Next Thursday I have a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.

But I still have not see copies of the x-rays, nor received copies or a report. Has this become the norm?

[Lori]

That sounds terribly painful.

I've seen steps like the one you have in so many French homes. They always look like a disaster waiting to happen.

Might your x-rays have been sent to your MT or perhaps the Orthopedic surgeon ? I've never been hospitalized, so I don't know the normal procedure, though I'm sure someone else here will be able to advise.

You are fortunate you have a medically trained friend who could lend a hand. I would have thought the hospital would have arranged a medical taxi to take you home.

Sorry, I'm not able to offer any helpful knowledge. I hope you are able to heal and get back to your regular routine as soon as possible.

That step might need to be modified if possible.

[Blaze]

That sounds awful, Veem ... I hope it isn't too painful. Damaging a thumb can make doing things very awkward too.

I'm surprised you weren't given a copy of the x-rays. They should send a copy to your MT but normally you should receive one which also has a compte rendu It was unfortunate that you were released too late to get the items on your ordonnance. Did they put any sort of strapping on ? As Lori says, it was very fortunate you had a friend with medical experience. The Zimmer frame sounds practical in case you have a problem with balance.

Don't hesitate to take pain killers - normally the French are very good at pain management.
I hope things improve quickly and that you aren't in too much pain. Yes, independence is vital.

[Pathca]

As Blaze says don’t skimp on the pain relief and start high and come down rather than taking a low dose and having to increase it

[exile]

Sadly taxies home from the Urgence are at your own cost - your mutuelle may contribute.

Personal experience after release at 04:30. I seem to remember getting copies of my X Rays even though they showed nothing - diagnosis: cracked ribs which apparently do not always show up.

[Veem]

40 years ago I broke the same patella making my way down concrete steps to cross the quad for a PE lesson with my class in the school hall. In hospital I discovered the radiographer was an ex pupil. She told me the bone was broken.
20 years ago I did everything possible to do to a knee (in a skiing accident), bar break the patella!
I rather think that my old bones won't be so quick to heal this time.
In both past accidents, the diagnoses were made following an MRI scan

[Blaze]

I seem to remember getting copies of my X Rays even though they showed nothing - diagnosis: cracked ribs which apparently do not always show up.

Sometimes a fracture is so fine it doesn't show up in an x-ray. OH had a couple of small fractures in his sacrum which only showed up when he had an MRI. Same for me with my thumb.

[Pathca]

We had a patient complaining of severe pelvic pain. X-rays were okay but nothing sorted this pain eventually they were scanned and had a fractured pubic rami which is one of the most painful injuries there Is

[Veem]

This is why I am concerned.
I know from my skiing accident 20 years ago that the damage caused to my meniscus, ACL, a break of a minute spine on the tibia, with ACL attached, etc, etc did not show until revealed by the MRI scan.

[MAD87]

Bon rétablissement Veem.
I have a houseful of Xrays, from Urgences and elsewhere, so I don't see why you shouldn't have been given them.
As for the ordonnance, your pharmacy should have, or be able to order anything missing.
Your household insurance might well cover home help for cooking/dressing etc. Or you could ask your MT or specialish for an ordonnance.